FIRST MARATHON CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE 1

First Marathon Critical Knowledge: A Literature Review

Ryan Quesenberry

California State University, Monterey Bay

December 11, 2018

IST511 Writing Workshop

Dr. Sarah Tourtellotte

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First Marathon Critical Knowledge: A Literature Review

Thesis Statement: First time marathoners, even after completing a rigorous training

program, may still be lacking knowledge critical to their marathon success.

Research has shown that various spheres of knowledge is lacking for inexperienced

distance runners. These areas include knowledge of proper nutrition strategies (Burk, 2006),

negative health repercussions (Nieman, 2007), and hydration strategies (McDermott et al, 2017).

Due to the amount of energy exerted by the body over the 26.2-mile marathon course, it

is important for marathoners to establish a nutrition strategy. A term often used among distance

runners is ‘hitting the wall’; a term describing the severe fatigue felt upon depletion of muscle

glycogen stores (Burke, 2007). To minimize these affects, Burke recommends marathoners

establish carbohydrate loading techniques, especially in the 3 to 4 days preceding the marathon.

The physical stress experienced by marathon running and training may have negative but

temporary effects on the marathoner’s immune system. Studies have shown an increased risk of

upper respiratory tract infections occur after periods of heavy training, or the two weeks

following competition in endurance races (Nieman, 2007).

One of the most important spheres of knowledge for first-time marathoners is to be aware

of the importance of hydration. Not consuming enough fluids while exercising (hypohydration)

and consuming excessive fluids (hyperhydration) can not only lead to poor marathon

performance, they can also lead to serious health consequences (McDermott et al, 2017).

Despite the associated risks, 70 percent of participants surveyed at a recent full and half

marathon in Arkansas, reported having one or more incidents for which dehydration could be

attributed (O’Neal et al, 2011). A similar survey given to participants in the 2014 Lindon
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Marathon found over half the participants surveyed lacked proper knowledge of hydration

(Leggett et al, 2018).

To address athletes’ knowledge gap in hydration, the National Athletic Trainers

Association (NATA) published a position statement on “Fluid Replacement for the Physically

Active.” This statement included the following guidance for replacement of fluids during

exercise: The goal during exercise should be to “maintain hydration and not allow for more than

2% body mass loss.” Continuing that liquids consumed should approximate the amount of fluids

lost through sweat during exercise, this should help to minimize the chances of hypohydration or

hyperhydration. NATA recommends that all athletes should know their “personal sweat rate”

and should develop a hydration strategy based upon their needs (McDermott et al, 2018).

Beyond physical training, there are important areas of awareness that first-time

marathoners must have. Marathoners must understand what is necessary to develop their own

nutrition and hydration strategies. In addition, they must be aware of the possible complications

associated with recovering from extended physical exertion, such as that experienced during a

marathon or during marathon training.

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References

Burke, L. M. (2007). Nutrition Strategies for the Marathon. Sports Medicine, 37(4), 344-347.

Retrieved November 27, 2018, from

http://callisto.ggsrv.com/imgsrv/FastPDF/UBER1/RangeFetch=contentSet=UBER1=pref

ix=PI-0MLR-2007-APR00-IDSI-

=startPage=66=suffix==npages=4=dl=Nutrition_strategies_for_the_m=PDF.pdf?dl=Nutr

ition_strategies_for_the_m.PDF

Leggett, T., Williams, J., Daly, C., Kipps, C., & Twycross-Lewis, R. (2018). Intended Hydration

Strategies and Knowledge of Exercise-Associated Hyponatraemia in Marathon Runners:

A Questionnaire-Based Study. Journal of Athletic Training, 53(7), 696-702. Retrieved

November 26, 2018, from http://natajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.4085/1062-6050-125-17

McDermott, B. P., Anderson, S. A., Armstrong, L. E., Casa, D. J., Cheuvront, S. N., Cooper, L.,

Roberts, W. O. (2017). National Athletic Trainers Association Position Statement: Fluid

Replacement for the Physically Active. Journal of Athletic Training, 52(9), 877-895.

Retrieved November 26, 2018, from http://natajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.4085/1062-6050-

52.9.02

Nieman, D. C. (2007). Marathon Training and Immune Function. Sports Medicine, 37(4), 412-

415. Retrieved November 17, 2018 from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6363557_Marathon_Training_and_Immune_Fu

nction

O’Neal, E. K. 1., Wingo, J. E., Richardson, M. T., Leeper, J. D., Neggers, Y. H., & Bishop, P. A.

(2011). Half-Marathon and Full-Marathon Runners’ Hydration Practices and

Perceptions. Journal of Athletic Training (National Athletic Trainers’

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Association), 46(6), 581–591. Retrieved November 17, 2018 from

http://libproxy.csudh.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&

db=eue&AN=70604886&site=ehost-live&scope=site